Crohns Disease effects the intestines

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It is named after the physician who described the disease in 1932. It also is called granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis.
Crohn's disease is related closely to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon Together, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have no medical cure. Once the diseases begin, they tend to fluctuate between periods of inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse). They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people in the United States. Men and women are equally affected. IBD most commonly begins during adolescence and early adulthood, but it also can begin during childhood and later in life.
Crohn's disease tends to be more common in relatives of patients with Crohn's disease. It also is more common among relatives of patients with ulcerative colitis.
What causes Crohn's disease? The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Some scientists suspect that infection by certain bacteria, such as strains of mycobacterium, may be the cause of Crohn's disease. To date, however, there has been no convincing evidence that the disease is caused by infection. Crohn's disease is not contagious. Although diet may affect the symptoms in patients with Crohn's disease, it is unlikely that diet is responsible for the disease.
Activation of the immune system in the intestines appears to be important in IBD. The immune system is composed of immune cells and the proteins that these immune cells produce. Normally, these cells and proteins defend the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders. Activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues where the activation occurs. (Inflammation is an important mechanism of defense used by the immune system.)
Normally, the immune system is activated only when the body is exposed to harmful invaders. In patients with IBD, however, the immune system is abnormally and chronically activated in the absence of any known invader. The continued abnormal activation of the immune system results in chronic inflammation and ulceration. The susceptibility to abnormal activation of the immune system is genetically inherited. Thus, first degree relatives (brothers, sisters, children, and parents) of patients with IBD are more likely to develop these diseases. Recently a gene called NOD2 has been identified as being associated with Crohn's disease. This gene is important in determining how the body responds to some bacterial products. Individuals with mutations in this gene are more susceptible to developing Crohn's disease.

CHRONS DISEASE INFORMATION

This disease often affects the small intestine and colon. Chron’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract, usually the bowel. This disease has been known to inflame the small bowel and colon over time. It is recommended that colorectal screening is done early, as Crohn’s disease has been known to cause colon cancer. These tests should be done often.

Although Crohn’s disease is known to usually attack the end of the small and large intestine, Crohn’s disease may attack any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. This is a chronic disease; however people with Crohn’s disease lead active, productive, full lives.

Researchers at this point have no idea what causes this disease. However progress has been made while researching this disease. Studies have shown that this disease involves many complex factors, such as: a person’s immune system, genes, and the environment. Research has indicated that foreign substances in the environment may cause the immune system to cause the inflammation. However research has shown that once process has started, the immune system isn’t able to stop it. The inflammation then damages the intestine, causing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Although it is not clear it, it has been proven that Crohn’s disease is mainly found in the developed world, mostly in Europe and the United States. This disease has been reported more commonly in urban areas vs. rural areas. Also this disease is reported more in northern climates vs. southern. This disease increases when certain groups of people move from rural areas to urban areas, and vice versa.